Join Charles for a Carlsbad/Vista Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk
When: Saturday, July 22nd, 8am to 11am.
Where: Carlsbad/Vista area.
Meet-up point: 8am, meet up in the Albertsons’ parking lot (1601 S Melrose Dr, Vista, CA 92081). Let’s assemble at the far southeastern corner of the main parking lot (Melrose is to the east, and Chase Bank to the south).
Additional: The intersection of several habitats makes the Southern California Coastal-Foothills a varied and abundant area for plant life. One prolific small tree, Elder (Sambucus canadensis), gets much notoriety these days as an ‘anti-viral’ cold and flu application. True, the flower tea has a long and storied use when an elevated temperature is present, however, heavily-marketed berry products are a rather new phenomenon. The clarification of how and when to use one or the other makes for an informative discussion.
Western black willow (Salix gooddingii) and Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) dot the waterways. Related in therapeutic use due to familial association and chemical similarity, bark and leaf bud preparations exert several anti-inflammatory and analgesic influences.
California rose and Toyon, two Rose family plants, are here for us to observe. Both are edible, however collection timing is important. If the fruit of either is eaten too early in the season – the pucker factor (astringency) is notable. But when ripe? And in the case of Toyon, consumed after a little cold-temperature stress? Neither are bad tasting. And most importantly, each contains significant amounts of vitamin C and related tissue-healing flavonoids.
Southern California plant life is partly defined by aromatic coastal scrub. Sage and Sagebrush (Salvia and Artemisia) are the two groups most responsible for outdoor pleasantly-scented encounters. Their medicinal effects are largely contingent upon the volatiles they contain. Cleveland sage, California sagebrush, and California mugwort are to be seen (and smelled!) on our excursion.
Not to forget the area’s poisonous plants – Datura and Poison hemlock. The two species are problematic if accidently ingested. Emergency room visits by unsuspecting nibblers occur with some regularity.
All in all I’ll touch on or discuss 25-30 species.
Mini Book Signing: After we finish, I’ll have a book signing at the vehicles for anyone who wants to purchase a book (or bring your own copy for me to sign). I’ll have these titles available to sign/purchase:
- Medicinal Plants of Western Mountain States (covers high elevation California plants)
- Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest (covers low elevation California [desert] plants)
- Wild Edible Plants of California
